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Camille Saint-Saëns
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was a renowned French composer, organist, conductor, and pianist of the Romantic era. Born in Paris, he was a child prodigy who made his concert debut at the age of ten. Saint-Saëns studied at the Paris Conservatoire and embarked on a career as a church organist, first at Saint-Merri and then at La Madeleine, the official church of the French Empire. He later became a successful freelance pianist and composer, gaining recognition across Europe and the Americas.

Saint-Saëns was known for his dedication to the classical tradition, which sometimes put him at odds with the emerging impressionist and expressionist movements. Despite this, his works often included neoclassical elements, influencing future composers like Stravinsky and Les Six. He held a brief teaching position at the École Niedermeyer in Paris, where he taught notable students such as Gabriel Fauré.

Among his best-known compositions are the symphonic poems, including "Danse macabre" and "Le Rouet d’Omphale," as well as the opera "Samson and Delilah" and the "Organ Symphony." His "Carnival of the Animals" remains a favorite, showcasing his ability to blend humor with musical sophistication. Saint-Saëns was also a prolific writer, contributing criticism, poetry, essays, and plays. His influence on French music was profound, and his legacy endures through his extensive body of work.

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